Join the Maine Conservation Corps

Position Available: 900 HR Environmental Steward - 7 Lakes Alliance

Gain meaningful, hands-on experience exploring Maine through the lens of a conservation organization.

Are you looking for a real-world opportunity to:

See how a land trust protects and stewards land?
Learn how a national wildlife refuge creates and conserves habitat?
Understand how citizen science projects are designed, implemented, and shared?

Live, learn, and explore Maine's wild and scenic landscapes with the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). As an MCC AmeriCorps Environmental Steward, youll make a tangible impact within a host organization and its community-advancing conservation goals that are as unique as each placement.

Environmental Stewards (ES) support a wide range of conservation projects, which may include:

Monitoring water quality in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas
Restoring wildlife habitat and sensitive ecosystems
Mobilizing and leading volunteers to maintain hiking trails
Collecting data on songbirds and other wildlife
Restoring eelgrass and other critical marine habitats
Teaching students about Maines shellfisheries and coastal ecology
Mapping and managing invasive species

Build your skills, expand your network, and experience Maines conservation landscapewhile making a real difference.

The mission of 7 Lakes Alliance is to conserve the lands and waters of the Belgrade Lakes Region for all.

This Environmental Steward will be engaged in a variety of projects that will introduce them to 7 Lakes Alliance, and what we do around our watershed. They will be involved in two major land stewardship projects, including a reforestation effort and a technical trail rehabilitation project. They will also collaborate with our field teams to implement best management practices related to erosion control and watershed remediation.

The Environmental Stewards role will be generally divided into two categories:

Land Stewardship - They will collaborate with our Land Steward on major stewardship projects, including trail building and reforestation.
Erosion Control (EC) - They will collaborate with our EC Policy Manager, leading erosion control projects, conducting site evaluations and creating site plans.

Location:

Belgrade, Maine

Time Requirement:

Environmental Stewards are expected to serve a minimum of 40 hours per week. The Host Site determines a regular schedule, and it will include a minimum of 2 days off per week. Regular schedules may be modified for special events.

Description of Duties:

Drafting erosion control site plans
Conducting erosion control site evaluations
Leading field teams on erosion mitigation projects
Learning about and assisting with grant administration and project planning
Facilitating large scale erosion control projects, collaborating with contractors and landowners.
Trail building and maintenance
Basic carpentry projects
Planting and monitoring reforestation efforts
Property monitoring on 7 Lakes conserved lands
Interacting and leading volunteers with the potential to lead workshops
Participate in MCC and AmeriCorps orientations, training, events, and conferences
Assist with pre-approved and allowable fundraising activities
Engage in volunteer management activities including: Recruiting volunteers, Promoting and leading volunteer events, Collecting and submitting Volunteer Assignment Agreements to MCC, Implementing the Essential Volunteer Management Practices and Volunteer Management Action Plan
Complete ongoing assignments and required tasks, including job readiness training, construction of member portfolios, weekly timesheets, and quarterly reports.
Participate in a Site Visit with MCC staff
Maintain regular communication with MCC, including checking email no less than weekly
Participate in mid-term and end-of-term evaluations with the Host Site Supervisor
Adhere to the MCC code of conduct, safety rules and guidelines, drug-free workplace, and other policies outlined in the MCC Handbook and AmeriCorps Member Agreement
Represent MCC and host site in a professional and supportive manner to the public and media

Essential Functions:

Basic ability to use ESRI ArcGIS systems including ArcPro and AGOL to create, visualize, and edit spatial data. QGIS experience is applicable as well.
Willingness to work outside every day that conditions permit, including in inclement weather.
Ability to focus and be productive in an office setting. This position is a mix of office and field service.
Ability to communicate clearly with host site supervisor, volunteers, and other members of the 7 Lakes team, to keep each other appraised of progress, changes in plans, needs for information, logistics coordination, and more. Comfort with uncertainty when plans can change at the last minute due to field site conditions, weather, or partner needs.
Can carry up to 50 pounds for a short distance
Ability to manage volunteers
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
Demonstrates good judgment and professionalism
Demonstrates initiative, reliability, and flexibility
Ability to serve both independently and as part of a team
Ability to manage time effectively and produce quality results with attention to detail
Demonstrates a desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference

Service Conditions:

Stewards will be expected to make progress on projects outdoors every day that conditions permit. Service will involve physical labor, things like moving rocks, using hand tools, and traveling on steep, uneven surfaces. Must be willing to serve in conditions that may be cold, rainy. Some project sites will be located in swampy areas with biting insects.

Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent
Must be at least 18 years old
Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
Must agree to a criminal history check
All positions at State sites require a valid drivers license with a good 5-year driving record
Passion for community service and the environment
Commitment to complete the full term of service
Willingness to do physical labor outside (required)
Experience with trailwork and maintenance
Experience with power tools
Writing and proofreading skills
Ability to swim (many project sites are along shorelines)

Benefits:

Weekly living allowance of $535 (before taxes) for 24 weeks
AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50
Certifications in the National Incident Management System, some members (determined by Host Site need) will also receive MCC Chainsaw Safety Certification
Conferences such as the Maine AmeriCorps Member Conference and Volunteer Leadership Conference
Networking opportunities
Maine State Park Pass
Some members may also be eligible for student loan forbearance and childcare reimbursement
This site does not come with housing, member is responsible for finding their own

Orientation and Training Topics:

Members will participate in up to five orientation days. Typical topics include: Intro to AmeriCorps, Prohibited Program Activities, MCC, Host Sites and You, OnCorps reporting, Portfolio Development, Professional Communication, National Incident Management Systems, and Safety. Orientation and training will be primarily in person.

Job readiness training, such as resume writing, job search components, appropriate workplace behaviors, and interview skills will be taught throughout the term of service. Additional training may be provided by the Host Site.

Volunteer Engagement

The Environmental Steward will utilize the Essential Volunteer Management Practices to improve the sites volunteer program.

The MCC ES will recruit and promote volunteer opportunities from the local community, businesses, and social organizations to accomplish projects. The MCC will assist members in identifying potential outreach opportunities, best approaches, and promotion of events to increase volunteerism at the Host Site. The ES will improve the sustainability of the overall volunteer program

Maine.gov

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry